Manchester United: 10 Bold Predictions for Reds' Champions League Campaign

Manchester United kick off another Champions League crusade with a trip to Lisbon to face Benfica on Wednesday as the Reds seek a fourth European Cup.

They have also been drawn with FC Basel and minnows Otelul Galati in Group C of the competition. On the face of it, they could not have been handed a better starting point. But how will United's campaign pan out?

Here we present 10 bold predictions for the upcoming eight-month slog.

1. United Will Cruise Through Group Stage

When the draw for the group stage was made, United could barely have hoped for a more favourable pool. No disrespect to Benfica, FC Basel and Otelul Galati, but United are streets ahead, and should comfortably win the group.

Just Benfica will really pose any serious questions to Alex Ferguson's side. Even so, United head into Wednesday's match in such good form that all three points are expected.

2. United Will Impress in the Knockout Stage

Given their form so far this season and their pedigree in Europe's top competition, there is absolutely no reason to suggest that United will not advance once again to the latter stages of this year's tournament.

As they proved last year, the Reds can beat most teams on their day, and with arguably a stronger squad this time round, they should still be in the mix once the competition is whittled down to its last few remaining teams.

3. United Will Face Another English Side: And Beat Them

Given England's strong representation in the Champions League, a meeting with a fellow Premier League side at some stage is again a distinct possibility. And who would bet against United prevailing against Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City?

They've already destroyed Arsenal this season, Chelsea are not known for their prowess on the highest European level, and City need far more experience in the competition before they can be considered a real threat.

4. United Will Still Come Up Short

Yet, United will still come up short in this season's Champions League.

Despite their superiority over their fellow English rivals, and their capability to beat most other top European teams, the simple fact is that Barcelona will prove once again too good for them.

Pep Guardiola's side's mastery of the European game is absolute, and despite their great start to the new domestic season, United cannot yet expect to topple Barca on the grand stage.

5. Alex Ferguson Will Clash with UEFA at Some Stage This Season

Alex Ferguson isn't the shy and retiring type, and he isn't one to flinch from a clash with the powers that be. As Arsene Wenger has already found out to his detriment this season, nor are UEFA.

It's seems almost inevitable that somewhere along the line Ferguson, desperate in his quest to secure another Champions League crown, will cross European football's governing body.

When and how remains to be decided, but rest assured it will happen. 

6. Ashley Young to Take Europe by Storm

Immediately after his signing, the wisdom of bringing yet another winger to Old Trafford was questioned in some quarters. With Nani, Park Ji-Sung, Ryan Giggs, Antonio Valencia already on board, did United really need Ashley Young?

His performances so far this season have provided a resounding 'yes' in answer. Young is a true United player and fits Ferguson's team like a glove. His next challenge is to prove his worth on the European stage, and there is no reason to believe he cannot do so.

7. United's Youngsters to Grow in Stature

The likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley will blossom even more by being involved in a European campaign. The quartet have already proved they are forces to be reckoned with on the domestic stage.

Now is the time for them to show the rest of the continent what they're made of.

8. Wayne Rooney to Cement His Place as One of Continent's Best

Rooney has enjoyed a sensational start to the season, and he will start his European campaign off the back of consecutive hat-tricks. The England international is in the form of his life and thriving off the confidence that brings.

There will be few, if any, defences on the continent that will relish a meeting with Rooney at the moment, and if he can reproduce his blistering form in the Champions League, few will dispute his status as one of the best players in Europe.

9. David De Gea to Come of Age

David De Gea has endured a pretty difficult time since he arrived in the Premier League.

But the Champions League—certainly the early stages of the competition—will put him back into his comfort zone of continental football, and may even provide the keeper with some light relief from the rough and tumble of the English top flight.

10. Anderson to Emerge as One of Europe's Best Midfielders

Anderson has not always convinced at Old Trafford, but this season the Brazilian has shown signs of the player Ferguson always hoped he would become.

But with his European experience—with United and previously with Porto—it is in the Champions League that the midfielder can really come into his own.